Disco Inferno

The word ‘disco’, for me, conjures up images of loud music and flashing lights. There was all of that, but this all added to the vibrancy of the show. The story, set in the 1970s, is of bar tender Jack who has aspirations to become a pop star and to achieve his ambition he sells his soul to the devil’s assistant Lady Marmalade.

There was no scenery and all effects were achieved by David Beaumont’s excellent lighting design. The band, led by Paul Gostling, were placed at the back of the stage so the sound was not too overpowering for the audience, except when it drowned out some dialogue. The singers, however, were at full throttle, even with mics. The musical aspects of the show were performed with great style with all the familiar 70’s rock numbers, with the ever-popular ‘Village People’ medley making the audience join in with the arm movements. The costumes were, on the whole, acceptable for the 1970 era, although one or two of the costume choices seemed a little inappropriate for the cast member wearing it.  Rebecca Beaumont’s choreography showed imagination and everybody without exception gave 100% in performing the dances.

The first half lacked a bit of pace due to the numerous blackouts to change the scene but this was due to the script rather than this production. It was better in the second half. All the principals gave strong performances. Ben Smyth (Jack) and Astra Beadle (Jane) worked well together. Ben Chapman (Tom) had good comic timing, which was consistent through the show. Excellent performances too, from Alice Kattner (Maggie); Beth Harding (Lady Marmalade); Anthony Patman (Heathcliffe); Anna Fisk (Kathy) and Richard Howard (Nick Diablo).

Director Colin Moss did an excellent job with a rather average script but there is no doubt that the company, with their energy and enthusiasm, clearly enjoyed performing this show and judging by the audience reactions, they enjoyed watching it.

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